"導くか従うか邪魔をするな"

This quote boils down to a few simple concepts about leadership and action. It's about taking charge, supporting someone else's leadership, or stepping aside so progress isn't hindered. The core idea is that in any situation, you can either lead by making decisions and guiding others, follow by supporting and contributing to someone else's direction, or simply move aside so that you don't obstruct the path.

General George S. Patton, a famous U.S. Army general during World War II, is often credited with this quote. Patton was known for his bold and decisive leadership style, which was crucial during the intense and chaotic times of the war. He valued action and decisiveness above all, likely because hesitation could mean the difference between life and death in battle.

Let's take a real-life example: think about a project at work. Imagine you and your team are tasked with launching a new product. You could be the one who steps up and leads the project. You assign tasks, set deadlines, and motivate everyone to keep moving forward. If you’re not leading, you could be the person who supports this leader by doing your tasks efficiently, giving feedback, and helping where needed. But if you’re neither leading nor following, you're just in the way—complaining, second-guessing decisions, or causing delays. In this case, the best thing you can do is step aside and let the team progress.

So, how do you apply this idea? Start by assessing your role in any given situation. If you see an opportunity to lead and believe you have the skills and vision, don’t hesitate. Step up. If you resonate more with following, be the best supporter you can be. And if you find yourself dragging things down, it might be time to step back or change your approach.

Imagine a scenario where you're part of a community group planning an event. Everyone’s excited but no one is taking the lead. You see the potential for chaos and decide to take charge. You organize meetings, delegate responsibilities, and keep everyone on track. People appreciate your initiative. Now, say you're not up for leading, but you’re great at designing posters and promoting events. You take that on, fully supporting the leader’s vision. But also, picture someone who just criticizes the ideas without offering solutions—they’re the roadblock. This person should either find a way to contribute positively or step out of the way.

In essence, think of leading, following, or moving aside as roles we all shift through depending on the scenario. It’s about knowing when to step up, when to support, and when to let others take the stage. This approach ensures that things keep moving forward, smoothly and effectively. Isn’t that what we all want? To progress, whether in our personal lives, careers, or communities?

So, next time you’re in a situation, ask yourself: Am I leading? Am I following? If not, am I just in the way? The answer will guide you on what to do next.